The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and community and business leaders in Detroit have begun discussions about the future of the I-375 freeway.

At a Monday morning meeting, state officials and people with key interests along the I-375 corridor begins a process of community engagement with the goal of determining an innovative and collaborative plan that reflects the current and future transportation needs in the rapidly developing corridor.

The conversations are just beginning and by no means has a final determination been reached," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "This must be a collaborative process with a mix of ideas and broad engagement from those invested in the area."

Among points of discussion will be how to accommodate the public's increasing demand for multiple modes of transportation and to connect the Riverfront, Greektown and the Eastern Market and Stadium districts.

"MDOT is committed to examining innovative ways to meet the demands of a 21st century transportation network and supporting local economic development," Steudle said.

"The last thing we want to do is invest millions of taxpayer dollars, only to have what we invested in what we would do, be outdated," said Rob Morosi with MDOT.

Some drivers are skeptical that transforming 375 into a boulevard would be a good idea.

"I think it would create a problem in the city. It would cause traffic problems," said Detroit resident Romero Fortune.

MDOT says there's less traffic volume on 375 then on Telegraph or Woodward Ave.